The Epic Adventure Motorcycle Tour from Victoria Falls to Cape Town with Adrian Newey...

We had been on the road for a week, deep into an adventure motorcycle tour through Southern Africa — an unforgettable journey from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe all the way to Cape Town, South Africa. Covering thousands of kilometres of rugged terrain, this was the kind of bucket-list motorcycle trip every adventure rider dreams about.

Victoria Falls to Cape Town – Epic Adventure Motorcycle Tour with Charley Boorman

With 19 riders from across the globe, the expedition was led by the legendary Charley Boorman from Long Way Down fame, and supported by a team of seasoned off-road adventure guides — myself included.

An Adventure Bike Tour Across Africa’s Wild Beauty...

Our group was a mix of passionate riders united by the call of Africa. Each day brought dusty gravel roads, wildlife encounters, and the thrill of crossing vast, untamed landscapes. We navigated through deserts, savannas, and mountain passes, soaking in the sights, sounds, and spirit of Southern Africa.

Riding with Adrian Newey...

Among our riders was Adrian Newey, the world-famous Formula One car designer celebrated for his work with Williams, McLaren, and Red Bull Racing (now at Aston Martin 2025). Known as the “King of Downforce,” Adrian’s engineering genius in aerodynamics has dominated the F1 world. But here, on a BMW adventure bike in deep African sand, the challenge was completely different — and just as thrilling.

The Challenge: Crossing the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

On this particular day, we found ourselves in Botswana, facing one of the most challenging segments of our motorcycle journey—crossing the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to reach our lodge in Gweta, a small village on the northern edge. The 95 kilometre ride included a stop at Kubu Island, a breathtaking, otherworldly landscape dotted with ancient baobab trees, rising from the endless white expanse of the pans.

We set off at 8 AM, navigating the hard-packed tracks with ease—until the inevitable happened. The dry season had transformed the route into deep, unforgiving sand. Anyone who has tried riding a 270kg BMW GS Adventure bike through deep sand knows it’s incredibly tough. It demands skill, endurance, and a fair amount of stubbornness.

Charley and the faster riders surged ahead toward Kubu Island, leaving me as the sweeper. I assisted those struggling at the back—including Adrian, who quickly learned that designing the fastest cars on the planet is quite different from riding a motorcycle through the African bush.

Determination and a Mechanical “Miracle”

By midday, we had covered just 50 kilometers. Adrian had dropped his bike over 20 times, but he kept getting back up with unwavering determination. The heat was relentless, dehydration was setting in, and spirits were fading. We stopped for a break, where Adrian, exhausted, “parked” his bike in the middle of the track—on its side.

With cold water from the 4x4 support vehicle, we regrouped and pushed forward. Adrian was still struggling, dropping his bike every 100 meters or so, but he refused any help. Eventually, he admitted he was struggling to reach the rear brake pedal while standing. This is a common issue many riders face when using adventure bikes with enduro boots. I had a quick fix: duct-taping a rock onto the pedal to raise it. Seeing my “brilliant” mechanical hack, Adrian joked, “You’re hired! Head of development at Red Bull Racing.”

The Final Push to Gweta Lodge

As dusk fell, we were just 5 kilometers from the lodge, battling through thick sand on the narrow village backroads. Charley called me from the lodge, sipping a cold drink by the pool, laughing: “Where are you? We’ve been here for hours!”

Adrian was riding in the headlights of the support vehicle, kicking up clouds of sand, doing everything he could to maintain momentum. At one point, his bike got completely bogged down. Suddenly, a group of excited local children from a nearby hut rushed out to help, pushing the bike free and cheering him on as he powered through the final stretch.

Twenty minutes later, the lights of the lodge came into view. Adrian rolled into the parking lot, drenched in sweat, exhausted but victorious. He threw his arm around me, grinning: “We made it! We actually made it!”

The group erupted in cheers, celebrating Adrian’s grit and determination as if it were an F1 podium moment in the heart of Africa. Boorman strolled over, smirking: “What took you so long? I’ve been here for hours!” Well, Charley, not everyone rides like you…

I met the most determined man that day. He never gave up even when he could have easily done so. It reminds us that when we truly put our minds to something, anything is possible.

Why Choose Motorrad Adventures for Your Adventure Motorcycle Tour?

If you're looking for the ultimate adventure motorcycle tour, you’ve come to the right place! At Motorrad Adventures, we bring years of experience, expert guides, and world-class support to ensure you have an unforgettable off-road motorcycle experience.

Expertise & Experience You Can Trust

Since 2009, we’ve been crafting and leading epic motorcycle expeditions across the globe. Our team has successfully organized tours in Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Namibia, and South Africa, helping countless riders achieve their bucket-list motorcycle adventures.

We’ve also had the privilege of working alongside some of the biggest names in adventure motorcycling, including Charley Boorman, Billy Ward, Claudio von Planta, Dylan Wickrama, SA Adventure, Moto Aventures, and Compass Expeditions.

Uncompromising Safety & Support

Your safety is our top priority. Every Motorrad Adventures motorcycle tour includes:

✅ Fully equipped support vehicle & trailer with satellite communication and tracking

✅ Professional lead and sweep riders for guidance and support

✅ On-tour medic for added peace of mind

✅ A dedicated backup crew so you can ride at your own pace

With our experienced team by your side, you can push your limits while knowing you have the best support in the industry.

A Stress-Free, All-Inclusive Adventure

We take care of everything—from planning scenic routes to securing top-quality accommodation and delicious meals. This means you can focus on what matters most—riding and exploring. Whether you're navigating Namibia’s desert dunes, cruising through the rugged landscapes of South Africa, or crossing breathtaking salt flats, we ensure every moment is an adventure to remember.

So, if you’re ready to experience the motorcycle trip of a lifetime, click the button below and start your next great adventure! ⬇️

LET THE ADVENTURES BEGIN